Which practice helps reduce fracture risk for a resident with osteoporosis during transfers?

• A. Lean over the resident to assist with lifting.
• B. Use proper body mechanics, keep the load close to your body, use assistive devices, avoid twisting, and position the resident for support.
• C. Twist your spine to reach the resident.
• D. Move quickly without planning.

Answer: (B)

Using proper body mechanics during transfers protects someone with osteoporosis from fractures by keeping the spine stable and the load close to the body. When you transfer, your spine should stay in a neutral position, with hips and knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. This stance lets you use your leg muscles to lift rather than loading the spine. Rely on assistive devices like a gait belt or transfer sheet to reduce strain, and position the resident so they can help or be supported without reaching or twisting. Planning the move, coordinating with the resident, and ensuring you have help if needed all improve control and safety, which is crucial for someone with fragile bones.

Leaning over the resident increases the bending force on the spine, twisting while reaching adds torsional stress, and moving quickly without planning can cause unstable movements or moments of loss of balance. All of these raise the risk of a fracture, whereas the correct approach protects the spine and distributes effort to the stronger leg muscles.